As a proud cat mommy, I can promise you that it’s not fun to force cuddle or force kiss your cat. If you’ve ever been around cats, you’ll know that they’re their own being and each one has a unique personality. Forget kissing, one cannot even touch or go near a cat if they don’t consent to it and violating their consent NEVER ENDS WELL. This is what makes them interesting creatures because not only do cats train their humans but they also teach us a lot about consent and its importance.
Cats Are The Biggest Advocate Of Consent
If you can’t learn all about consent the easy way, get a cat to learn it the hard way. Many of us dislike cats and consider them mean but have you ever thought why? Well, allow me to explain. Many people dislike cats because they don’t allow humans to touch, cuddle or kiss them without their consent. Cats are independent beings and like to do things their way, this includes conditional cuddling. Cats will come and cuddle with you or sit on your lap when they feel comfortable enough but the second they feel you’re getting too touchy for their comfort, they will walk away. Cats will bite you or scratch the life out of you if you make them feel uncomfortable at any point.
If you touch a cat and they thump or wag their tails, it’s a no and if you don’t understand no, they will defend themselves by biting and scratching. Guess, it’s time we learn to fight off people who cannot take no for an answer. If they don’t understand no, feel free to get catty. Cats will sniff you and get to know you before they allow you to touch them. One has to give them their hand to seek permission to touch and pet. So, the next time someone tries to touch you without consent, call them out and make sure they ASK for consent. And the same goes for you, seek consent before you touch someone. NGL but we can learn a thing or two about consent from cats.
Also Read: Twitter User Says Men Need To Stop Assuming All Women Have Degradation Kink. Consent Lo Na!
Here Are Some Things Cats Teach Us About Consent And Communication!
1. The one most important thing cats teach us is that it’s their choice. No one is allowed to touch them without consent. At no point do they let anyone make them feel uncomfortable.
2. Consent with cats also comes with boundaries and cats do not like people crossing boundaries. For example, a cat may allow you to pet them on the head but the belly is usually off-limits, try touching their belly and you’ll see what happens.
2. They also teach us to be assertive when setting boundaries and saying no. They don’t care if you feed them or get them gifts, they make their boundaries clear and that’s that.
3. They teach us to be unapologetic about walking away and being assertive when our consent is violated. You can sulk and scowl but a cat won’t be sorry for not allowing you to touch them.
4. They teach us to fight back when our consent is violated. We’ve seen cats scratching, biting and walking away when anything non-consensual happens, be it petting, cuddling or kissing.
Also Read: Forget Sex Education, Indian Parents Fail At Teaching Consent To Their Kids!
In the cat kingdom, no means no, unless they change their mind on their own accord. If a cat doesn’t want to be touched, he/she will make it clear and there’s nothing you can do to convince them (not even food and treats will convince them to allow you to touch them). And if you still dare to touch them, they will rain hell on you. That’s how they teach people consent while protecting themselves.